The Center for X-Ray Optics is a multi-disciplined research group within Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's (LBNL) Materials Sciences Division (MSD). Notice to users.

X-ray imaging of nanoscale structures and processes.

XM-1, a soft x-ray full-field microscope.

"Many exciting areas of research require observing the dynamics of nanoscale systems. Researchers from around the world use XM-1's unique combination of 10-nm spatial resolution and 70-ps temporal resolution to study nanoscale properties that are challenging or impossible to see in other ways."

Mi Young Im,Principal Investigator

XM-1: The world's highest resolution zoneplate microscope.

XM-1 combines: spatial resolution approaching 10 nm, elemental specificity, 70 ps temporal resolution (set by the bunch length of the x-ray pulses), and high sensitivity to spin configurations (via dichroism effects with polarized x-rays) making it a unique analytical tool for nanoscience research. Every day, scientists working in areas such as spintronics, nanoscale materials science, x-ray optics and environmental sciences come to XM-1 to unlock nanoscale properties that are challenging or impossible to see in other ways.